Overeating

[Handmaided]

I don't drink, or take drugs and God delivered me from smoking many years ago. But overeating has been a problem, even when I know something is a bad choice I still eat it. It's not like I can stop eating forever because we need food and water. Has anyone else struggled with this? And if so how did you get a handle on it?

In Christ,
Handmaiden

 

[HoneyComb Son]

I have..and am..trying to eat healthier..it is hard..and i do overeat aswell..it is hard to overcome..just have to make the choice.it is hard..but we have to crucify the flesh and say no to food..and lean on God to help us overcome..we will..amen..victory is ours in Christ

 

[If Not For Grace]

There are more fat people in church than in any other "organization" I have ever seen. It's an issue the church chooses to ignore--

I don't have the answer and have struggled with weight and smoking for 10 years now.
It's a roller coaster with me, if I lick one the other takes over. But I continue, cause like you I have worked and beaten other issues--so there is hope.

I know you have to surrender to win--I just can't id the real reason why I haven't done it yet. (Other than just plain flesh-no pun intended).

They tell me 12 step progams work with relgious folk and address the issue more directly OA for example--I'm thinking about trying it myself.

Prayers--Both Ways--Please.

 

[Handmaided]

Thank you, for the encouragement. I will pray for you as well. We can all overcome this!

1 John 5:3-5 (Amplified Bible)

3 For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous). 4For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?

In Christ,
Handmaiden

 

[Anti Existance]

its very hard and radical life change is needed , as wel as never touching rubbish again.

 

[Akathist]

While I do not agree fully with all of the theology there, I do think you might really like this bible study and accountability program: http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/lords_table/

I have in the past (before I was Orthodox) participated in this program and really liked it: http://www.wdworkshop.com/

I still follow a lot of what the "weigh down" workshop teaches: eat when you are hungry, stop before you are stuffed. All in moderation.

currently I am using that kind of an approach combined with recording what I eat on an online website that tells me how many calories I have used, etc. http://www.sparkpeople.com It is a free site. I find that if I make myself record every single thing I eat that I think twice about eating that candy bar or getting a sandwhich at Quiznos.

 

[madison1101]

I have been in therapy since 1989 for binge eating disorder. I weighed 319 at my highest. During the past 17 years, I had attended Overeaters Anonymous, which helped me become more self-aware about my eating behavior. A year ago, I went through two months of a partial hospitalization program for eating disorders.

Two months ago I had gastric bypass surgery. I now get physically ill if I overeat. I have lost 30 pounds since my surgery, and have no appetite.

My first suggestion would be for you to keep a food journal and write down everything you eat in a day. At the end of a week of doing that, self-examine and seek God's guidance on your eating habits. Keep journaling your food and see if God does not guide you in making healthier choices as time goes on.

Hugs,
Trish

 

[UnitynLove]

First pray that you will not enter into the temptation to overeat then when you are about to take a bite say to yourself am I hungry or is this just to feel full

 

[marshgreencohen]

fill urself always with water and drink milk an hour before each meal,it supresses appetite

 

[TheLordIsWonderful]

I agree with everything here. But especially agree with getting yourself a food journal. Write down everything you eat. So you can actually see what you're eating.. when you're eating and why you're eating. Doing this will help you get a grip on your reasons. It will also cause you to rethink eating more .. if you actually see that you've eaten way too much already.

Find out what your caloric intake is to maintain your weight now.. and what it is for you to lose wait. Stay within those ranges. If you overeat, don't overeat to the degree where it will make you gain weight.

 

[Handmaided]

I don't drink, or take drugs and God delivered me from smoking many years ago. But overeating has been a problem, even when I know something is a bad choice I still eat it. It's not like I can stop eating forever because we need food and water. Has anyone else struggled with this? And if so how did you get a handle on it?

In Christ,
Handmaiden

Well I decided to fast for 7 days to try and get a grip with overeating I lasted 6 days but I feel far more in contral and will be trying again for another 7 days. With fasting and prayer I really did feel closer to God and more centered. Thank you all for your wisdom.

 

[ReluctantProphet]

I agree with everything here. But especially agree with getting yourself a food journal. Write down everything you eat. So you can actually see what you're eating.. when you're eating and why you're eating. Doing this will help you get a grip on your reasons. It will also cause you to rethink eating more .. if you actually see that you've eaten way too much already.

Find out what your caloric intake is to maintain your weight now.. and what it is for you to lose wait. Stay within those ranges. If you overeat, don't overeat to the degree where it will make you gain weight.

Good points.

If you want to improve anything, learn to measure it and keep sight of it.

And if you want to stop from doing anything, find a stronger passion to preoccupy yourself with so as to disrupt the habit. But don't just instill another habit. When you see the first has been broken up and has less control over you, begin distracting the one you used to break it. Eventually if you keep breaking them up, they all lose power over you and you become free to choose even to sit and idly relax, un-compelled to do anything but enjoy the satifaction of doing nothing at all for a while.